I have yet to find a good coffee between Tauranga and Auckland. It's a barren wasteland of…read moresuperettes and truck stops (don't even 'Copper Kettle' me). Today I decided to give Waihi township a quick look through. I have to admit - usually we're making this drive at unusual hours, and we're ready to go full throttle and crank some KFC by the time we hit Waihi. But not today! A) because it was 8:30am and B) because I was driving solo and thus not tormented by peer pressure and my innate weakness for chicken. There weren't many places open this early in the morning (on a public holiday, no less). But a few cars were parked outside an unassuming 'German Bakery' on the main drag. I pulled up, stepped past the quaint round tables with checkered cloth that huddled together outside trying not to fall prey to the torrential downpour. I entered the chain-drop curtain thing to find a tidy, warm and wonderfully aromatic bakery. A quick peek behind the counter revealed - tah dah! - an espresso machine. Golden. I ordered a double shot mocha with soy ($6.50 - they charge for soy), and sat down while the lovely German fellow (who had emerged from a back room somewhere at the 'clink' of the chains) prepared my caffeinated dream. While I waited, I read the brief info sheet that lay on every table - it detailed the process of preparing and baking sourdough, and the nutritional benefits of it versus other breads. Though I only wanted coffee, I was now convinced that I needed some sourdough in my life. There was a huge variety of freshly baked loaves, but I decided to be traditional and bought a classic white ($6). The coffee was lovely. Very much better than I usually get on this drive (although the sugar factor was probably at play in this one - will order a flat white next time to double check). I haven't eaten the sourdough yet - I'm saving it for dinner. But if you're heading through Waihi I'd definitely give the German Bakery a look through - it's a neat little find! P.S. My coffee came with a bite of something delicious. I could not begin to tell you what it was, but it appeared to contain nuts and fruits and was fresh from the oven.

Best coffee I have ever tasted and the sourdough breads best ever - so full of flavour and not full…read moreof air, will last for days in pantry, poppy cake lovely too.

I went to The Pepe on the 29th on December at approximately 11:30am. I came with a group of 8…read morefriends of mine for a pleasant breakfeast. We ordered coffee and a variate of their food items. We were told the wait time would be an hour, and although they let us know, it shouldn't be that busy since the cafe was not that packed. The coffee was good, one of the redeeming qualities of this restaurant. However, the service was quite mediocre. Our table had not been cleared and when one of my associates asked for the table to be cleared, we got a snarky reply . When they finally cleared the table they still left a few dishes. Also, the food was bought out over a 15 minute period which really was not pleasant watching my friends eat their food while I sat there hungry. When almost all hope was lost, one of the best eggs benes I had ever eaten was put in front of me. They have a large portion of food, especially of the salmon. The toast could have been a bit crispier but overall quite good. Definitely a bit of room for improvement but could be a Michelin star cafe if they take this review with a swift stride. Yours sincerely, Steel drillbit

The best meal we've had on the peninsula, and the most reasonably priced. Burgers, nachos, and the…read morefish of the day we're all outstanding! Kids menu looked good too- and there's a playground right next door so great if traveling with kids! Looks like they also do breakfast and lunch. There's more on the menu than what they post at the door.

Fabulous little cafe just off the main road. It's an oasis for the weary traveler looking for the…read moreperfect coffee or tea and scone. The entrance brings you into a cute world with bird houses, weathered wood and chalkboard menus. We had coffee and chai lattes which were fantastic. My zucchini basil muffin was superb, while my husbands scone with jam and cream melted in the mouth. The outdoor courtyard is a place you could spend awhile relaxing in the shade. There's also a kid play space to boot.

The most amazing food on the Coromondel! We had pumpkin coconut ginger soup, garden salad,…read moremushroom and spinach/sundried tomatoe pies snd a magnificent hummingbird cake for dessert. Absolutely delicious! They make everything themselves with fresh ingredients and you can taste it. Don't miss a meal here.

Very Friendly staff! Good coffee, Great service and atmosphere! Will come back again, thank you!read more

Great sunny spot to have morning coffee. Excellent fresh range of counter food. But big city prices…read more$15 for two coffees and a cinnamon scroll. $8 for a wrap too. In fairness it was generous filling - but still! Coffee came quick, ok. Cinnamon scroll took a while. Went back in and told brusquely "it's in the microwave" no politeness or courtesy.

Great setting in this cute town of Thames. Fresh food, baked goods and pressed juice. We split…read morethe Turkish chicken sandwich, side salad and brownie - we felt plenty satisfied all for $25NZ. Friendly service with both indoor and outdoor seating. A perfect stop for a bite or drink while staying near by or on your way thru.

Delicious. Can be a bit of a wait when busy, and limited hours. Pastry items all tried have been…read moreexcellent.

Amazing steak and cheese pie , prices understandable for the high quality and delicious foodread more

We stumbled on this amazing cafe driving to Rotorua from the Coromandel Peninsula. It's literally…read morethe only cafe/bakery in town so we were among mostly if not all locals. There is a huge selection of freshly made pastries, sandwiches and various other hot foods. If that's not enough they offer a menu of hot breakfast and sandwiches. We ordered the hot rib eye sandwich and a couple of meat pies. Everything was fresh and delicious. PROS: Fresh food Meat pies Rib Eye sandwich Lolli cakes Supporting local business Small town cafe Prices CONS: Must be passing through to get here.

Nice little convenience store with your basics, meat pies, and pastries. Perfect for a quick pit…read morestop. Also has coffee and soft drinks.

Pauanui is not the most lively place in the world, it's a sleepy holiday town and the chocolate…read morepretzel is open on a Sunday .. This, in itself, recommends it to half-brained vacationers like us .. Staff were laid back kiwis, this is not somewhere to expect deference, it's more of a 'sounds good mate' service, which I enjoy .. The place is cute and little, the tables are inside and outside, with sun umbrellas already up and inviting. The food came out, and there was a LOT, way too much for us to eat and it was delicious, the wedges were crispy and the beef burger with bacon was amazing, it was practically a skyscraper burger with all the fillings. One problem was that I actually ordered a steak burger. But Meh .. I enjoyed the beef anyway.

I am stunned that no one has reviewed this place yet. Then again, everyone has probably heard about…read morehow horrific The Chocolate Pretzel is by now. I have just experienced the most aggressive and insulting customer service from the owner/manager. Our meals were anything but - with small portions and everything tasting like mild play dough - not even the salty kind you eat as a kid. Coffee was a complete joke, don't waste your time and money. You'd be better off re-using your coffee grounds from yesterday at home. Don't lose your hope for humanity - AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!

Funky little cafe on the shopping street. Courtyard out the back and small seating area inside…read more Great food selections at the counter. Very fresh baked scones and muffins. Raspberry and white chocolate or blueberry. We had the blueberry which was packed full of fruit. Good coffee and friendly service.